Walking Into Her Heart (A First Realm Novel)

by Susan JP Owens

  He struck a deal with Bobbie Jo. Provided that she’d use a financial advisor, he’d assist. He contacted Sharon Brenner, wired money and let her work her magic. Within a year under Sharon’s wing, Bobbie Jo sported designer clothes, shoes, the works.

  During the first couple of years, he’d made several calls to Sharon following up on Bobbie Jo’s progress and happened to know she had divorced her spouse, made a boat load of money, but she must have made some foolish choices since then.

  Recently, Bobbie Jo’s advisor had e-mailed him. According to Sharon, Bobbie Jo had become a spendthrift, unwilling to make the necessary changes in her life to get back on track and to anticipate Bobbie Jo to get in touch with him to bail her out again. He expected a telephone call from her not a personal visit.

  Sacrifices were a part of life no one liked. He’d had his share, no, not with money. With a much more personal gift, he had given a part of himself for this beautiful country. Mind-walking helped find his fellow soldiers from missions that had gone from bad to worse. The numerous POWs saved provided a balm to his soul.

  Of course, the military loaned him out to other agencies. One in particular used him to find agents who should have reported in to their superiors. He attributed the experience to keep freedom of choice, speech, and the right to choose how to live your life. His code of honor demanded no less.

  At one point, assistance became exploitation. But it wasn’t until his last mission that he closed the door and refused to use his ability under any circumstances. He often questioned why his gift hadn’t manifested itself to help his mom. His stomach knotted into a tight ball, he missed his mom and dad.

  He glanced at Bobbie Jo fiddling with her diamond ring. She grew up in the foster care system. Maybe under the best of circumstances, her parents would have taught her about money.

  As wealthy as his mother and father were, they kept him grounded. Raising two boys who were hell-on-wheels challenged them. They had replaced his bicycle twice. His mom sat his carcass down and shook her index finger at him. “This is the last time, buddy. The next one will be out of your own pocket.” After buying the motor and accessories two times, he had a grand total of thirty-seven cents to his name. Well, that cured him of trying to convert a bike into a hog.

  True, that had been a boy’s lesson, but he still carried the experience to this day. He inspected the woman in front of him acting like a young girl in junior high. If she was unwilling to change her lifestyle and he helped her now, then he’d only be enabling her careless imprudence.

  “I suggest you call Ms. Brenner and ask what can be done. I sent extra to start a savings account for you. You should have plenty of funds.”

  Bobbie Jo’s manicured fingernails played with the edge of the table. “It’s all gone.”

  Kyle whistled.

  Indignation surged in her voice. “Well?”

  He unfolded from his chair and waited for Bobbie Jo to stand.

  The server ambled to their table and placed the plates in front of Shelby then him.

  David grasped Bobbie Jo’s arm. “He ain’t gonna help us.”

  She thwarted David’s hold and stood. “You’re being so mean to me. How do you live with yourself?”

  As David dragged Bobbie Jo away, Kyle caught the plural “us” and grimaced.

  He sat and mumbled to Shelby, “Sorry about that.”

  Her lips tightened then relaxed. “No problem, how do you know her?”

  “She’s an employee with one of our largest distributers in Georgia.”

  Shelby’s mouth curled into a cute smile. “Sounds like you helped her when she needed you. I’m impressed.” Then she picked up her fork. “Dig in before the food gets cold.”

  Instead of a utensil, he grabbed his glass, swigged long, taking every bit of liquid and then set it back on the table. “Bobbie Jo had a hard life. I’m guessing with David at her side, she hasn’t improved her situation.” He hadn’t meant to verbalize his thoughts and Shelby never commented. It was probably best the subject remain closed.

  After a quiet dinner, she rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “Do you mind if we call it an evening?”

  “Sure. Let me get the check.”

  ****

  When Kyle parked at the hotel, Shelby clutched the door handle. “I’d like to see you tomorrow. Can you wait and leave later?” He had been silent through the meal and introspective so his rich baritone words surprised her.

  Shelby nodded. “I need to talk to you about Ten-Blue-Sun, but I’m really tired. So yes, I’ll stay until we find a solution. Thank you for dinner. Good night.” She slid out of the truck and closed the door. When she glanced through the window, their eyes locked. Sad, the sole purpose of meeting Kyle was the custody rights of a doll made over a century ago. Tears welled, and she blinked them back.

  A sense of dread enveloped her again. The thought of losing Tim twice, once through physical death then releasing him to continue his spiritual journey was too excruciating for her to think about. What about this beautiful gentleman? In all probability, she’d lose him too. Kyle had somehow given her strength.

  Shelby wanted to connect with Kyle. The desire wasn’t for sex alone. She wished for a close relationship with him. As long as Kyle assumed he was a stand-in for her husband, nothing would come of it and she would miss his companionship.

  Hell bells, she waved goodbye. She needed to get a grip.

  ****

  Early morning’s dawn light sliced through the curtain opening. Shelby blanched and scrunched her tired eyes shut. She peeked through her lashes, letting her pupils become accustomed to the sun.

  Without luck, she had attempted astral projection yesterday evening. Tim didn’t come to see her. Had he continued on without saying goodbye? Did She-Who-Smiles abandon her too? She tossed and turned all night, until she made a decision. She would ask Kyle to contact Alessa and together, they would decide what to do with the doll.

  Disappointed she’d lost contact with Tim before finding his murderer; she threw the covers off and strode to the bathroom, hoping the shower would cleanse away her failure. Maniacal laughter escaped. A mental breakdown would not be in her best interest, God, just deal.

  When a knock reverberated inside the room, she tossed the last of her cosmetics into her bag.

  She double checked who was on the other side, opened the door and invited Kyle inside. With a wave of her hand, she asked him to sit. The coffee he placed on the table smelled wonderful and would be a welcome caffeine boost. “Thank you for the java and treats.”

  “Are you okay? What’s going on?”

  Chapter Seven

  Shelby cleared her throat. “I don’t know where to begin. But I’m about to tell you some things you can believe or not. At this point, I really don’t care.” She sipped the hot liquid, gathering strength to start at the beginning.

  Kyle never interrupted and listened to the crazy story.

  “That’s it.” She waited for his response.

  “I’ve spoken with Garrett’s mom, Rain. She’s a shaman. Ten-Blue-Sun is in the right hands…yours.”

  “I’m not being disrespectful, but she’s wrong…terribly so.” Earlier, she’d bought a small treasure chest, some pretty material, wrapped the precious cargo and placed the doll inside. She retrieved the special box from the floor and set it in front of Kyle. “I’m giving her to you.”

  “No, Shelby.”

  She raised her palm to stop him then withdrew the piece of paper. “You can reach Alessa at this number.”

  When he didn’t take it, her breath shortened, heat rose to her face as exasperation crept in. Why wouldn’t he listen to her? She’d had enough of these insane events and laid the information on top of the chest. “Do whatever you want. I’m through. I’ve done my job.” One of them at least. She could only guess she had released Tim since he hadn’t been around.

  She erected her tired body from the chair, the boost from her drink diminished. “If you’ll excuse me and m
y manners, let yourself out. I need to get ready to go.”

  Kyle grasped her arm. “Wait, we could try to astral project together?”

  “No, I’m finished with the quest. I do have one question, what did you say to calm Ten-Blue-Sun?”

  He released her. “One—the Great Spirit, two—the Ghost, three—the Sun.”

  She nodded.

  “Shelby, I think it’s worth a try to project and yes, the doll’s eyes glowed for Alessa, but your spirit guide shared the ritual only with you. That is significant. I shouldn’t take her when I’ve been told you are the rightful owner…at this time.”

  She scooted the case away from him. “Fine, I’ll give the damn thing to Alessa.” A whoosh of air escaped. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to take my frustration, my resentment out on you. I guess I’ve had enough of this situation, I’m irritable from lack of sleep, furious that I accepted such a cockamamie…I’m exasperated that’s all.”

  ****

  Kyle winced. Shelby had reached her limit, she was exhausted and disappointed. The special light in her eyes had vanished, her shoulders slumped, polar opposite of who she was a few days ago. When she recounted her experiences, the monotone words revealed her state of mind. His first instinct was to embrace and comfort her, but that wasn’t what she needed.

  She had narrated her encounters, fear laced every word. By the end, Shelby perceived she had failed and anger radiated from her normally happy features. Rain warned him dangerous entities would try to attack her to retrieve the doll for the use of the powers held within. Her advice, help her, and then she’d laughed and added Ten-Blue-Sun works magic for the people closest to her.

  Maybe, Shelby would be relieved if he kept the life bringer for now. Her mental state would settle and he’d bet she’d look at the situation differently. He didn’t want to leave her disjointed with his world, with the First Realm, and the new life she had yet to accept. He’d offer her a reprieve.

  “For now, I’ll take the box with us for safe keeping. How about we go to Pogonip, my brother’s ranch? We can enjoy the outdoors and relax.”

  By her tells, he knew the minute she acquiesced. Her whole demeanor shifted, her back straightened, and a slight smile curved at the corners of her mouth.

  “Fresh air…sounds great…I bet it would be wonderful stress reliever.”

  ****

  Kyle cracked his window. The wind whistled inside the cab of the Jalopy.

  “Tell me about your family?” Shelby palmed her thigh.

  He smiled. “I have an older brother, Jude. My mom and dad have passed, so Rain is like a second mother. Garrett, her son, is my blood brother. That’s where we’re headed now, to his ranch.”

  She angled her hips and propped the side of her knee on the seat. “Rain’s the Shaman. Wow, that’s how you knew so much about Ten-Blue-Sun…Where does Jude live?”

  “Across the border, in Idaho.”

  “Do you get to see him much? Are you close?”

  He glimpsed at Shelby with his peripheral vision. Her open body language revealed she was honestly interested in what he had to say. How could he be pleased from simple questions? “We work together…we’re tight.”

  Her thumb pushed the corner of her sunglasses, edging them up her pert nose. “What is your line of work? I know you travel frequently and you have regional distributors.”

  “It’s a family business, like yours.”

  A puzzled look crossed her face.

  ****

  Kyle parked the truck near the horse trailers on the gravel lot and Shelby jumped out first, then Annie. “Take your time. You don’t have to open my door.”

  He rounded the corner of Jalopy, grasped the handle, and closed it. “That’s not the point. I want to be there for you, if you’ll let me.”

  Her chin descended about an inch and her cheeks changed to a pretty pink. “Maybe I’ve been on my own too long. Tim always opened and shut…Never mind.”

  He maneuvered in front of her. “How long has it been?”

  “Eighteen months.”

  He raised his right hand, allowing his fingers to trace her jawline. His heart rate increased from the simple touch. He used the pad of his thumb to caress her lips hoping his blood pressure would drop a little. “It’s okay to talk about him. Tim was a part of your life, a part of you, so yeah; I’m interested in what you have to say. I want you to know, you can tell me anything and I’ll keep it in confidence.”

  He released her before another part of his anatomy hustled to attention and he whistled. “Come, Annie.”

  By the small of her back, he led Shelby toward the stables while Annie darted to and fro, her nose sniffing the ground, taking in the new scents.

  He spotted Grey Wolfe, coming out of the round pen. “Uncle Grey, it’s been awhile.”

  The old man ambled his way to them. “To say the least, how are you doing? You just missed Garrett, if you can believe this, he ventured into town.”

  Kyle shook the age-wrinkled hands of the head foreman. Evidence of the many hours in the sun, Grey’s crow’s feet inched higher with his pleasant smile. “Really must have been something special for him to be traipsing through the city. I’m doing well…you?”

  Uncle Grey nodded. “I’m fine. Come to ride?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “What?” Shelby gasped.

  Kyle wheeled a ninety degree to check on her. “What’s wrong?”

  Her face answered his question. “We don’t have to—”

  “I’ll try but I’m a beginner.” She grimaced.

  His mind raced through the detective’s report. She owned a ranch…it must have been her husband’s business. “Shelby, I’d like you to meet Grey Wolfe, Rain’s brother. Grey, Shelby Littleton.”

  They both nodded, reciprocating each other’s greeting.

  Kyle headed toward the barn. “I’m going to take Mosey for Shelby with a lead halter. But first, she’ll sit with me.”

  “I’ll get her.” Uncle Grey volunteered. “And I’ll get Bridger ready too.”

  Grey led a sorrel gelding and a dun mare over to where they stood. Kyle grasped Shelby by the hand and lifted her up on the sorrel. He sensed Shelby’s apprehension. “Don’t worry we’re going together for a little bit. Then I’ll see if you can handle Mosey.” He took the stirrup from her foot, and in one fluid motion settled behind her.

  Kyle wrapped his arms around her and held the reins in his right hand. He appreciated Grey’s help by putting a halter under Mosey’s bridle, then attaching a lead rope so the mare could follow behind. Even Annie running to and fro hadn’t scared Mosey.

  He squeezed his knees against the horse’s sides. “Let’s go nice and easy, Bridger.”

  Shelby relaxed and nestled against his chest. “This is strange, I’m so comfortable and I feel safe when I’m with you.”

  Kyle hugged her waist with his left arm. “I’m glad. You’ve been through enough to frighten any woman. I’ll make sure no harm comes to you.”

  “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Pressley.”

  Irritation gave way to fury. He didn’t like what Shelby had implied. Was she used to people not keeping their word? Shelby would find he kept his, at any cost. He’d forego a retort and let the creak of the leather saddle and Bridger and Mosey’s hooves striking the ground fill the air.

  He wanted to know more about Shelby and there was still a question she had refused to answer earlier. “When’s your birthday?”

  “It’s… Smooth, very smooth. How old are you?”

  “Thirty-five. Well?” He loosened the reins so Bridger could have his head.

  She blew air out of her lungs and sighed. “Where are we going?”

  Kyle rested his hand on her hip. “I don’t think age is the issue. I think it’s about fear and trust.”

  Her body stiffened and when she didn’t reply, he didn’t press her further. “Let’s give Bridger and Mosey a rest by that copse of trees. There’s a stream nearby too.”

&
nbsp; After Kyle dismounted, he helped Shelby down.

  “This is great…feels warmer today.” Her voice quivered.

  Kyle ground tethered the horses and strode to her. “Are you discussing the weather?”

  She exhaled, her gaze darted in every direction. “Yes, I am.”

  Kyle shook his head and grasped her shoulders. Her eyes finally locked onto his. “You’ve been through some traumatic experiences and I’m here to help. You’re beautiful and have a good spirit. As for us, we’re attracted to each other. I want you and you want me. We’ll know when the time is right and I have a feeling we’ll both be surprised when we join. Until then, are you hungry or thirsty? Would you like a sandwich?”

  “Absolutely.” Her muscles relaxed under his hands and she smiled.

  He released Shelby and untied the bindings holding the heavy saddlebags filled with the food, drinks, and the blankets. He slid them from the saddle.

  Shelby’s nervous energy had the picnic spread before him and jammed a sandwich in his hand. He took a bite watching her fiddle with the bread rather than eating it. Her life had changed and she was handling the transition as well as could be expected. He wanted to help, but she had chosen not to be a part of his world. Her path would be filled with good things, and Rain had assured him, evil as well. Even though that scared the hell out of him, there had to be a way to alleviate Shelby’s fear of the unknown and encourage her to take the journey with him.

  He placed the leftovers to the side. “Come here, I want to hold you.”

  She scooted next to him and he gently laid her in front of him. He extended his arm to cradle her head and rolled a blanket for his. She clasped his hand that draped over her waist, relaxed and content that he spooned her. Annie dozed at their feet.

  The clop of a trotting horse drew closer. He peeked over Shelby. “Rider…going by or…stopping it is. Let me up so I can find out what they want.”

  ****

  Shelby shifted to release his arm. When he rose, she snuggled to rest a few more minutes. From under her eyelashes, she peered at Kyle waiting for the equestrian to approach. His long legs held his beautiful frame erect. For the first time, she noticed the multi-faceted lights surrounding Kyle. She crunched her eyes together and opened them. The same refracted rays from the First Realm glowed around his body. She blinked again.